Practical overview
When it fits
Use Probly when spreadsheet data needs to be explored with formulas, browser-side Python, charts or AI-assisted questions, or when image-based data needs to be extracted into a spreadsheet workflow.
Who it is for
- People who want to explore spreadsheet data with formulas, Python and charts in one browser-based workflow.
- Users who want natural-language questions, AI suggestions or trend analysis alongside spreadsheet work.
- Teams or individuals who need to extract data from images into a spreadsheet workflow.
Documented uses
- Import data or start a blank sheet and work with spreadsheet formulas.
- Run Python analysis in the browser using WebAssembly.
- Create interactive charts and visualizations from spreadsheet data.
- Ask natural-language questions and use saved or predefined prompts for analysis.
- Extract data from images for spreadsheet use.
Requirements & limits
The repository documents Docker and manual installation. Self-hosting requires an OpenAI API key for AI features; the README lists Node.js 18 or higher, npm or yarn, and a modern browser for manual setup.
- Python execution uses Pyodide/WebAssembly and is described as running locally in the browser.
- OpenAI API calls are proxied through the server; image extraction uses a Vision API.
- The documented implementation uses Next.js 14, TypeScript, React, Handsontable, HyperFormula and ECharts.
- The repository is public and states that Probly is licensed under MIT.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Set up Probly with Docker
Build and start the documented self-hosted Probly application with Docker.
Before you start
- Docker and Docker Compose
- Git
- An OpenAI API key
Steps
Clone the repository and change into the probly directory.
Create a .env file containing OPENAI_API_KEY=your_api_key_here, replacing the placeholder with your key.
Run docker compose build.
Run docker compose up -d, then access the application at http://localhost:3000.
Expected outcome
The README directs users to the application at http://localhost:3000 after the Docker startup steps.
Guide limitations
- AI features require an OpenAI API key.
- These are repository instructions, not a report of a tested deployment.
Install Probly manually for development
Install dependencies and start the documented development server.
Before you start
- Node.js 18 or higher
- npm or yarn
- A modern web browser
- An OpenAI API key
Steps
Clone the repository and change into the probly directory.
Run npm install.
Set the OPENAI_API_KEY environment variable to your key.
Run npm run dev and launch the application in a browser.
Expected outcome
The documented development server is started for browser access.
Guide limitations
- AI features require the OpenAI API key.
- These are repository instructions, not a report of a tested installation.
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 13 October 2026
- Original website title
- PragmaticMachineLearning/probly · Official homepage title · retained in its source language

